After eight successful years as CEO of RAPS, Florian Knell is handing over the reins to Dr Oliver Ebneth, who was previously General Manager Global Food at Döhler.
Florian Knell has been a member of the Advisory Board since 2011 and Managing Director of RAPS GmbH & Co. KG since 2017. Dr Ebneth, who will take over the management of the company at the beginning of 2025, has long-standing experience in the food supply industry. He has held key positions in international sales and marketing at ingredients supplier Döhler in recent years, and will use this expertise to spearhead international expansion.
“The one hundredth year of our company’s history is a special one in every respect,” says Florian Knell. “Once again, and for the fourth year in a row, we will close an excellent 12 months. This is an appropriate time for me to thank colleagues and companions, and say goodbye.”
Frank Kühne, majority shareholder and Chairman of the Advisory Board of RAPS, adds: “As a thoroughbred entrepreneur, Florian Knell has successfully navigated RAPS through various social crises in the world and, at the same time, laid the foundation for further growth, for which I owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
RAPS has recruited the highly experienced manager Dr Oliver Ebneth as his successor. The 47-year-old grew up in rural Upper Palatinate and will therefore be returning to his Bavarian roots. For the last 10 years, Ebneth has worked for the Döhler Group in Darmstadt, a leading supplier to the global food industry. In recent years, he has expanded the company’s food division, particularly internationally. He says of his new role: “I love this industry and believe in the long-term and sustainable development prospects of RAPS.”
